Scotty McCreery Fulfills Lifelong Dream of Opening for Garth Brooks

Scotty McCreery got to live out one of his biggest career dreams on Friday (Sept. 22) when he acted as a surprise opener for his idol, Garth Brooks.

Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are on their World Tour, which made a stop at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Friday with McCreery in tow. The American Idol winner's appearance was kept a secret until he made his way to the stage for his 30 minute set, which included his hit "See You Tonight" and latest single "Five More Minutes" and ended with a standing ovation from the audience of 13,000 people. “

It was a really incredible moment just being out there on that stage in front of a Garth crowd,” McCreery says of the opportunity. “I was about as nervous as I’ve been before a show, probably ever, but as soon as they introduced me, the crowd went nuts and that kind of eased my nerves.” He also took to Instagram after the show to share his excitement.

Brooks and Yearwood have been on their massive World Tour since 2014. It will end its North American leg in December of 2017. Brooks will serve as the first headlining act at the newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. when he and Yearwood take the stage on Oct. 12. Soon after, the country legend is set to headlineStagecoach Festival in California in 2018, along with performing at RodeoHouston.